What is the primary purpose of penetration testing?

The primary purpose of penetration testing is to identify and evaluate security vulnerabilities in a system, network, or application by simulating real-world cyber attacks. This proactive approach helps organizations understand their security posture, assess the effectiveness of their security controls, and prioritize remediation efforts to strengthen their overall security posture. Penetration testing aims to uncover weaknesses that malicious actors could exploit to gain unauthorized access, steal sensitive data, disrupt operations, or cause other detrimental effects. By identifying and addressing these vulnerabilities before cybercriminals can exploit them, organizations can reduce the risk of security breaches and protect their assets, reputation, and customer trust.